At $4,627/yr net price, Owensboro Community and Technical College graduates earn $35,798/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $1,798/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $4,627 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $18,508 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $35,798/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$1,798/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 49.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $7,933 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $3,980/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $3,005/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,809/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $8,810/yr |
| $110,001+ | $9,948/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Associate | $61,516 | |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,105 | $9,519 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $38,289 | $9,875 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $37,568 | |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $33,993 | |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $26,353 | |
| Veterinary/Animal Health Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $24,035 | |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $22,034 | $6,925 |
The Risk Factor
49.2% of students at Owensboro Community and Technical College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Owensboro Community and Technical College is cheap enough that your financial risk stays low, but the payoff depends heavily on which program you pick. With median debt under $8,000 and a net price near $4,600 a year, you are not gambling large sums here. The median earnings ten years out sit below $36,000, so the average outcome is modest, and the gap between the best and worst programs is what determines whether this school works for you.
The electrical and power transmission program is the clear winner, with graduates earning well above what nursing or allied health pay, and it shows up here as an associate degree. Registered nursing is the other strong bet, pulling around $50,000 with debt near $9,500 that the salary easily covers. Allied health lands lower and carries slightly more debt, so the return there is thinner. Criminal justice sits at the bottom near $34,000, below the school's own median, and that is the program where your money works hardest against you.
The main risk is picking a program that pays close to the school median and finding your earnings stuck there. Every credential here is an associate degree or shorter, so none of these salaries reflect a bachelor's. A 49% graduation rate means roughly half of you leave without finishing, and dropping out with even modest debt and no credential is the worst outcome available.
If you live near Owensboro and want a trade like electrical work or a nursing license, this is a strong, low-cost fit. If you are drawn to criminal justice or general studies, look hard at where those lead first. Families earning under $48,000 pay the least, close to $3,000 a year, while households over $110,000 pay roughly $9,900. Even at the top tier, the total cost stays low compared to most colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Owensboro Community and Technical College worth the money?
With a net price of $4,627 per year and median debt of just $7,933, Owensboro Community and Technical College offers good value for students who complete their programs. However, the 49% graduation rate means many students don't finish, which hurts the return on investment.
What are the highest paying programs at Owensboro Community and Technical College?
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers leads with $61,516 average earnings, followed by nursing programs at $50,105. These technical programs significantly outperform the overall graduate average of $35,798.
How much debt do Owensboro Community and Technical College graduates have?
Graduates have a median debt of $7,933, which is manageable compared to many colleges. The low cost keeps debt reasonable, but earnings of $35,798 mean it still takes time to pay off.
Do Owensboro Community and Technical College graduates make good money?
Graduate earnings average $35,798 after 10 years, which is modest but reasonable given the low cost and debt load. Your program choice matters significantly, with electrical and nursing graduates earning much more than the average.